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Overview

Substitutions seal Japan success

Tactical switches were the key for Japan in their Group D opener
against Haiti as they took maximum points at the Soccer Only Field
in Gwangyang on Sunday 19 August.

Possibly overawed by the occasion, Haiti marked their first ever
appearance in the elite competition by focusing on holding Japan at
bay. This approach proved costly when Tomotaka Okamoto broke the
deadlock after 42 minutes, burying his free-kick with thunderous
power and precision and sending the Asian side in happier at the
break.

The Haitians refused to give up hope, though, and began the
second half with more attacking intentions, an attitude that paid
off when Joseph Guemsly Junior rifled a devastating effort high
into the Japanese net with 71 minutes gone. That brought the
newcomers level, but a goal apiece from substitutes Hiroki Kawano
and Yoichiro Kakitani ultimately handed Japan a slightly flattering
victory.